Bulk bag apparatus

Abstract

A bulk bag apparatus provides a bag having a bottom wall, a top portion, side walls and seams joining each side wall to another side wall, and bag corners at the seams. First and second lifting slings are rigged to the bag, the slings being spaced apart and not intersecting, preferably parallel to each other. A portion of the bottom wall of the bag is exposed in between the slings so that the bottom wall can be cut such as for discharging the contents of the bag. Bottom guides are provided on the bag bottom portion. Side guides are provided on the bag side walls. Corner guides are provided that each extend from the bottom wall to a side wall and across a bottom corner of the bag. Each guide provides an open ended channel that is receptive of a lifting sling. Each corner has an eyelet attached to the bag top portion at the corner.

1 . A bulk bag apparatus, comprising:
 a) a bag having a bottom wall, a top portion, side walls, seams joining each side wall to another side wall, and bag corners at the seams;   b) first and second lifting slings rigged to the bag, the slings being spaced apart and not intersecting;   c) a portion of the bottom wall being exposed in between the slings;   d) bottom guides on the bag bottom that position the slings on the bottom;   e) side guides on the bag side walls that position the slings on the side walls;   f) corner guides that each extend from the bottom wall to a side wall;   g) each said guide providing an open ended channel that is receptive of a said first or second lifting sling; and   h) each corner having an eyelet attached to the bag top portion corner.   
     
     
         2 . The bag apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the slings are removable from the guides. 
     
     
         3 . The bag apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the top portion has an area, a top panel attached to the side walls and a fill opening in the top panel that is smaller than the said area. 
     
     
         4 . The bag apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the slings have a load capacity of in excess of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg). 
     
     
         5 . The bag apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the slings are spaced apart laterally at a distance of between 6 and 24 inches (15 and 61 cm). 
     
     
         6 . A bag for transporting bulk material, comprising:
 a) a bag member that includes a bottom wall, side walls, bag corners, and a top wall;   b) a plurality of eyelets secured to upper parts of said sidewalls at the corners and next to the top portion;   c) an inlet tube secured to the top wall defining a material inlet;   d) a plurality of sling guides stitched to the bag member including bottom sling guides, side sling guides and corner sling guides;   e) each sling guide providing an open ended channel that is sized and shaped to receive a lifting sling and position the slings upon the bag member;   f) a pair of lifting slings that are attached to the sling guides, each lifting sling having loop end portions, each lifting sling removably secured to the bag member by passing through a plurality of said guides, wherein each sling passes through one or more bottom sling guides, one or more side sling guides of two opposing side walls, and at least one corner sling guide;   g) wherein the lifting slings do not overlap; and   h) each sling being of a length that places the loops at an elevation near the top wall of the bag member.   
     
     
         7 . A bag as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the slings are spaced apart a distance of between about 6 and 24 inches (15 and 61 cm). 
     
     
         8 . A bag as claimed in  claim 6  wherein each sling occupies the channel of a pair of said corner sling guides. 
     
     
         9 . A bag as claimed in  claim 6  wherein each sling occupies the channel of a pair of said side sling guides. 
     
     
         10 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A bulk bag apparatus, comprising:
 a) a bag having a bottom wall, a top portion, side walls and seams joining each side wall to another side wall, and bag corners at the seams;   b) a band that encircles the bag, the band being spaced above the bottom wall, the band continuously abutting the bag at the side walls;   c) first and second lifting slings rigged to the bag, the slings being spaced apart and not intersecting;   d) a portion of the bottom wall being exposed in between the slings;   e) bottom guides on the bag bottom;   f) corner guides that each extend from the bottom wall to a side wall;   g) each said guide providing an open ended channel that is receptive of a said first or second lifting sling.   
     
     
         14 . The bag apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the slings are removable from the guides. 
     
     
         15 . The bag apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the top portion has an area, a top panel attached to the side walls and a fill opening in the top panel that is smaller than the said area. 
     
     
         16 . The bag apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the slings have a load capacity of in excess of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg). 
     
     
         17 . The bag apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the slings are spaced apart laterally at a distance of between 6 and 24 inches (15 and 61 cm). 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A bag as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the slings are spaced apart laterally at a distance of between 6 and 24 inches (15 and 61 cm). 
     
     
         20 . A bag as claimed in  claim 13  wherein each sling occupies the channel of a pair of said guides that are corner sling guides, each corner sling guide attached to both the bottom wall and a said side wall. 
     
     
         21 - 23 . (canceled)